Description
Juicy cheese-stuffed meatballs perfectly baked and served atop fluffy, loaded baked russet potatoes. This hearty and comforting meal features savory seasoned beef meatballs filled with melted mozzarella, complemented by classic potato toppings like butter, cheddar, sour cream, and crispy bacon for a satisfying dinner everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
For the Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Crispy bacon bits
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking both the potatoes and meatballs.
- Bake Potatoes: Place the russet potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
- Form Meatballs: Divide the meat mixture into 12 equal portions. Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each portion, then carefully shape into a meatball sealing the cheese inside.
- Bake Meatballs: Arrange the prepared meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until fully cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Prepare Baked Potatoes: Once the potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, slice each potato open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork. Add butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble and Serve: Top each loaded baked potato with the hot stuffed meatballs. Add your preferred optional toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits, and fresh parsley for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey.
- Enhance flavor by spooning marinara sauce over the meatballs before serving.
- Ensure mozzarella cubes are fully enclosed in meatballs to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate before baking to save time.
- Use a fork to fluff the baked potato centers to create a creamy texture that holds toppings well.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
